UTAG President Condemns Comment on Galamsey
The UTAG president condemns comment from National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. Professor Eric Abavare, who serves as the KNUST UTAG President, strongly criticized Mr. Nketiah’s remarks. For instance, he took issue with the Chairman’s comments on the fight against galamsey. Mr. Nketiah recently appeared on Channel One TV. He argued that a government-declared state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas would be a dangerous step. According to the Chairman, this action could suspend people’s constitutional rights. Consequently, Prof. Abavare reacted in a Facebook post. He described the Chairman’s comments as “reckless.” He also called the statement inconsistent with the NDC party’s previous position.
Furthermore, he questioned the Chairman’s change in stance. He pointed out that both the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama had previously called for a state of emergency to fight galamsey. He referenced the Bawku conflict as an example. “Was he in Ghana when the government declared a state of emergency in Bawku?” Abavare wrote, directly addressing the Chairman. “Did the Constitution also not face a suspension then?” The professor called the new position a “419 swindle of Ghanaians.” In other words, he condemned what he saw as a complete reversal by the NDC Chairman. Meanwhile, the galamsey fight remains a critical national security issue.
In addition, Professor Abavare invoked the memory of soldiers and officials who lost their lives in the fight against galamsey. He insisted that such comments should not trivialize their sacrifices. “I condemn your statement in the strongest terms possible and feel very sad too by it,” he concluded. The UTAG president condemns comment from a top political figure as a betrayal of a prior agreement. The NDC, along with other political parties, signed an agreement. This pact included a commitment to declare a state of emergency to end galamsey. Ultimately, the UTAG president condemns comment, showing deep concern for the galamsey fight.
Ghana’s galamsey problem has intensified over the years. It has destroyed forests, polluted major rivers, and contaminated drinking water sources. As a result, water companies have warned of a looming water crisis. Authorities have deployed various military operations. Yet, the problem persists. Therefore, Prof. Abavare’s critique highlights the ongoing frustration among academics and the public. They seek decisive action on a crisis that threatens the nation’s environmental health and future.
Source: CitiNewsRoom, August 28, 2025
